Nancy-Bird Walton 1915-2009: Australia's aviation pioneer

One of Australia's great women aviation pioneers is being remembered as an amazing, visionary trailblazer. She will be honoured with a state funeral.

Born on 16 October 1915 at the NSW town of Kew, Nancy was one of six children and at an early age developed a fascination with aviation. By age 14 she had saved enough money to buy a leather helmet and goggles and at age 17 she enrolled in Charles Kingsford Smith's Mascot flying school. 

At age 19 Nancy became Australia's first commercially licensed pilot with the purchase of her own Gypsy Moth.

She went on to pioneer an air ambulance service for outback New South Wales and was commandant of the Women's Air Training Corps during World War II.

Ms Walton also founded the Australian Women Pilots' Association and went on to be president for about 40 years.

In 1997, Ms Walton was named a Living National Treasure by the National Trust.

She was awarded an Order of the British Empire in 1966 and 11 years later became a Dame of the Knights of Malta. The Australian government made her an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1990. Nancy wrote her autobiography in 1961, Born to Fly.

Last year Qantas named its first A380 jet in her honour.

Nancy-Bird Walton is one of Australia's great Daring Dames. Her life reflects courage, persistence, adventure, contribution - making a difference to many people.

Hear and see her story at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/13/2465041.htm

Dr Ann Villiers , learning guide, author and consultant, is Australia 's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com.